New Woodridge mayor emphasizes ‘common sense’
“Among the issues currently being discussed in Woodridge are the new budget and using eminent domain to acquire a strip mall.
The village decided last year it wanted to buy a 4.8-acre property on the south end of town, then use tax-increment-financing dollars toward development of a proposed athletic recreation center built and financed by the Woodridge Park District. But the property owner doesn’t want to sell. That prompted the village to use eminent domain to acquire it.
Cunningham-Picek said she wants to focus on the positive right now, but believes land-taking should only be a last resort. That said, she believes the community wants and can benefit from a new athletic center.
“I believe the residents deserve the best we can offer them,” she said. “It (eminent domain) is difficult, but I believe our community needs and expects certain developments to take place.””
Ruzich, Joseph. Chicago Tribune 17 April 2013.